As the peasants starve, Ines(Maria Felix), the wife of Governor Vargas(Miguel Angel Ferriz), is carrying on an affair with Colonel Olivares(Roberto Canedo). Just as the peasants are about to be fed meat on a national holiday, Garcia(Raul Dantes) assassinates Vargas in front of everyone. That only makes Ines' life more complicated as she is now stranded on the island, with Vasquez(Gerard Philipe), the governor's former secretary, professing his love for her while trying to institute a reform or two.
"Fever Rises in El Pao" is pretty good as a transitional film for Luis Bunuel, as he seeks to take more of a global approach while indulging some of his perverse fascinations at the same time. Disappointingly, he also bites off more than he can chew, especially in the crowd scenes, as he seems much more interested in having something to say than in telling a story. That involves Vasquez who comes under a great deal of scrutiny on his road to hell paved with good intentions.